I posted the below information earlier but after reading your farewell, I'll do the same with my 1995 850 GLT so I don't have to worry about the next expensive repair bill. I'll miss driving the car but not the repair bills and will probable sell it early next year for about $3,900, try mass transit for as long as I can hack it and then use the savings to purchase a 2002 Audi A4, 2001 Lexus GS300, or 2002 BMW 3 series.
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Purchased 1995 Volvo 850 GLT Sedan in October 1994, have over 132,000 miles on it and spent about $10,000 to maintain and operate it.

Breakdown of the expenses with routine items on top:

Regular maintenace (40k, 60k, 90k, 120k, etc) = $3,065
Tire replacements and alignment = $2,040
Brake replacements = $900
Oil and filter changes = $580
Replaced 2 batteries = $162

Transmission related work = $1,516
Recharged AC multiple times = $545
Replaced ABS Control Unit = $501
Replaced 2 Antennas = $238
Electrical repairs and replacement = $188
Replaced Brake Sensor = $166
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Total cost to date = $9,901 (46% of the total expenses occurred during the last three years, 2003-2005)

Of all the cars I have owned, my 1986 Toyota Camry was literally maintenance-free but a very boring car to drive. I sold it 4 years ago with 140,000 miles on it but still see it driven around town. My 2000 Mercedes Benz C230 Kompressor with 60,000 miles has cost very little because MB paid for all work for the first 4 years or 50,000 miles and my 2000 Lexus RX300 with 63,000 miles has had no problems to date.

The Volvo cost quite a bit to maintain but for the past 11 years, it has been an enjoyable car to drive. When I drive long distance (6 hours or more), I don't feel worn out and unlike like my former Toyota, I feel very safe in the Volvo. Its a tank. I just wish it had about 20 more horsepower.
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